Rare Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia (DIPNECH) Finding in a 9/11 World Trade Center Survivor: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Jan 8;16(1):e51862. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51862. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Bronchial carcinoid tumors represent a relatively uncommon category within lung neoplasms, originating from neuroendocrine cells. The exact cause of these pulmonary tumors remains not fully understood. Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is characterized by widespread hyperplasia of these neuroendocrine cells, essential for regulating air and blood flow in response to stimuli such as hypoxia, dyspnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The prognosis for bronchial carcinoid tumors hinges on factors such as grade and stage, with lung resection being the preferred treatment. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan unveiled diffuse bilateral pulmonary nodules with ground-glass opacities, leading to a right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed neuroendocrine differentiation, describing a lung wedge measuring 9 × 4 × 1.5 cm with spongy parenchyma and scattered white nodules.

Keywords: carcinoid tumors; diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (dipnech); lung tumor; neuroendocrine tumors; pulmonary nodule.

Publication types

  • Case Reports